AIME Day 2 2014

Melbourne’s Birrarung Marr came alive on Monday night as more than 2000 delegates descended on the inner-city park for the official AIME Welcome Reception, hosted by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB).

With the venue a well-kept secret until almost the last minute, Birrarung Marr was transformed by Peter Jones Social Events for the event, literally “popping-up” a few hours before guests were due to arrive.

From the moment guests stepped into the venue the surprises kept coming, with an eclectic array of circus performers, buskers, break dancers and balloon artists entertaining the crowds. On stage

The Funk Buddies impressed with New Orleans street-style funk, while Disk Jockey Claire Elliott had the crowd up on their feet dancing the night away. Once darkness fell, fireworks lit up the night sky.

Reflecting Melbourne’s vibrant quirkiness, mobile food trucks were on hand to tempt delegates with an array of multi-cultural tasting dishes, ranging from fish, chicken and vegetarian tacos with chipotle, poppy mayo and salsa to pork ribs and gumbo. With wheelbarrows, buggies and ice cream carts serving up sweet and savoury nibbles, courtesy of Epicure Catering, no one was going to go hungry.

For more party photos see page 4.

A welcome to remember

DAY 2

OFFICIALAIMEDAILY22nd Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre • 18-19 February 2014

FAST FACTS

• More than 2000 guests enjoyed the 2014 AIME Welcome Reception

• 6000 savoury and 4000 sweet canapés were served

• 4000 grazing dishes were served

• 10 food trucks served 8000 tasting dishes

• 5000 glasses of champagne were served, along with 4500 glasses of Mister Fox wine and 3000 beers

Our whole-of-city approach to winning and delivering events is key to our ongoing success in both the corporate incentive and association markets. We are a full-service bureau and pride ourselves on being the single point of contact for government, industry and business engagement across the city. And, as our networks broaden and our relationships strengthen, we are continually refining and evolving our proposition.

Sydney is Australia’s global city and is the perfect choice for business events. With fresh, unique and memorable conference and meeting venues, touring options and team-building activities to cater for every event size, style and budget, Sydney is ever-changing and definitely open for business. Come and see the team at stand 1522 to discover the full range of options available to you for delivering a spectacular Sydney experience for your delegates. Be sure to ask us about the latest updates on the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

businesseventssydney.com.au

“What really fascinated me [about Sydney] was…the different levels of government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector working together, which is tremendous. You talk about ease of doing business. This is where it’s at. And, it’s all here in Sydney.”Sheriff Karamat Chief Operating Officer, Professional Conference Managers Association and member of BESydney’s International Advisory Board.

Artist’s impression of ICC Sydney courtesy of HASSELL + Populous and Darling Harbour Live

Our whole-of-city approach to winning and delivering events is key to our ongoing success in both the corporate incentive and association markets. We are a full-service bureau and pride ourselves on being the single point of contact for government, industry and business engagement across the city. And, as our networks broaden and our relationships strengthen, we are continually refining and evolving our proposition.

Sydney is Australia’s global city and is the perfect choice for business events. With fresh, unique and memorable conference and meeting venues, touring options and team-building activities to cater for every event size, style and budget, Sydney is ever-changing and definitely open for business. Come and see the team at stand 1522 to discover the full range of options available to you for delivering a spectacular Sydney experience for your delegates. Be sure to ask us about the latest updates on the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

businesseventssydney.com.au

“What really fascinated me [about Sydney] was…the different levels of government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector working together, which is tremendous. You talk about ease of doing business. This is where it’s at. And, it’s all here in Sydney.”Sheriff Karamat Chief Operating Officer, Professional Conference Managers Association and member of BESydney’s International Advisory Board.

Artist’s impression of ICC Sydney courtesy of HASSELL + Populous and Darling Harbour Live

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1 Caroline Faber and Michelle Fitzjohn, QT Port Douglas. 2 Patrick Delaney, Sool Nua; Mike

Cannon, Sarawak Convention Bureau; Annie Mehra Cannon; Martin Lewis, Meetpie.com; Jason

Yeh, Taiwan Convention and Exhibition Centre. 3 Tracey Thomas, Conference innovators. 4 David Bornmann, Esplanade Fremantle; Troy Cuthbertson, Rydges Hotels and Resorts. 5 Valerie Percival, IBM Australia. 6 Angie Becker, Crown Melbourne; Christine Judd, Crown

Hotels. 7 Rebecca Skeete, Trippas White; Alana Emblen, Hurricane Event Group; Olivia Yeates,

Hurricane Event Group; Renay Farrell, Trippas White Group. 8 Justine Jones, Errol Jones

Productions; Donna Kessler, Tourism Portfolio. 9 Hal Philp, Sheraton Melbourne Hotel; Penny

Lion, Business Events Australia; Andre Jacques, Sheraton Melbourne Hotel. 10 Daniela Divic,

Helms Briscoe; Ali Browser, Master Electricians Australia. 11 Lis Hafner, Steely Pretyman, Stuart

Nettlefold and Sarah Thomas, Business Events Tasmania. 12 Shiyin Wu, Carlson Wagonlit Travel;

Eve Chia, The Meeting Lab; Jenny Ho, Carlson Wagonlit Travel; Jeremiah Lim, Sunway Travel

SDN BHD; Michael Chong, Singapore Alive. 13 Wade Galea and Simon Burgess, Adelaide

Convention Centre. 14 Rajesh Nambiar, Ottila International; Shreyash Shah, Royal Cliff Hotels

Group. 15 Donna Stewart, Heritage Queenstown; Susan Gibson, Heritage Hotel Management;

Shelley Eastwood, Heritage Hotels; Tracey Thomas, Conference Innovators; Helen Bambry,

Tourism New Zealand. 16 Sharon Auld, Conventions & Incentives New Zealand; Lynn Simmonds,

Air New Zealand; Heidi Heming, Conventions & Incentives New Zealand; Jeanette Stanton,

Conventions & Incentives New Zealand; Geraldine Hutchinson, Air New Zealand. 17 Martin

Radcliffe, Adelaide Convention Bureau; Dior Yarwood, Novatech Creative Events Technology.

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Top things happening today

AIME Knowledge education program

When: Various session times

Where: Auditorium and Clarendon Room D&E

With speakers ranging from TV’s Gruen Planet star Todd Sampson to Forbes magazine columnist Margie Warrell, the AIME Knowledge education program has the hottest tickets in town. Individual tickets are $55 and can be purchased from the Registration desk on the Concourse.

Saxton Ultimate Event Experience

When: 7.40-10.10am

Where: Plenary 3

Check out 12 of Australia’s leading presenters and entertainers at the Ultimate Event Experience, returning to AIME for a fifth big year. This year’s line-up includes The Biggest Loser’s Michelle Bridges, soul singer and 2012 The Voice runner-up Darren Percival and

motivational speaker John Peters.

Taipei City Government Relaxation Zone

When: 10am-5pm

Where: Show floor

Need a break? Why not take time out from your schedule to visit the Taipei City Government Relaxation Zone for a complimentary head, shoulder or foot massage?

Crown Pamperzone (By invitation only)

When: 10am-5pm

Where: Show floor

Hosted Buyers are invited to take a break from their busy day and relax with a complimentary 15 minute neck and shoulder massage or a hand massage in the Crown Pamperzone, sponsored by Crown Spa. Book by emailing [email protected], or drop

by the Crown Pamperzone.

AIME Farewell Bubbles

When: 3.30-4.30pm

Where: International Food Market

Raise a glass to another successful show at AIME Farewell Bubbles, as it is revealed which companies have won the coveted AIME Awards in 2014. Categories include Best Environmentally Sustainable Stand, Best Innovative Stand, AIME Industry Person of the Year and The People’s Choice Award, voted for by you. Plus, you can also be in the running to win 6 nights in Bali simply by dropping your business card into the mix at the start of the event. Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony.

Malaysia Kopitiam and International Food Market restaurants

When: 10am-5pm

Where: Show floor

Hungry? Stop for lunch at this year’s exclusive dining experience, Malaysia Kopitiam, sponsored by the Malaysia

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Convention and Exhibition Bureau, or the International Food Market restaurants.

A LIST Open House

When: 10am-5pm

Where: Show floor

Find inspiration at A LIST Open House, a dedicated area where Visitors and Hosted Buyers can meet with new event suppliers and boutique venues.

Innovation Zone, sponsored by Sabre Pacific

When: 10am-5pm

Where: Show floor

New at AIME in 2014, the Innovation Zone, sponsored by Sabre Pacific, is the place to check out the latest event technologies and innovations, get hands-on with emerging products set to revolutionise the industry and access key experts in this arena. Visitors to the Innovation Zone will be also able to charge their phones at the mobile Charge Bar.

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The AIME Awards, which includes the People’s Choice Award, will take place today at 3.30pm in the International Food Market.

Awards are about recognising individuals and groups that reach their goals. As the sole award supplier for AIME, Noble Awards set about making a difference in the world through its charity Noble Endeavours and has been changing the lives of a small community in the Philippines for the better over the last five years.

Noble Awards makes sure the benefits of the awards go even further by donating $5 of every award purchased to its sister charity Noble Endeavours.

Driven by the vision of Noble Awards chief executive Ian McKay (pictured) and his late wife Janice, Noble Endeavours is helping Sandongan Village become self-sufficient. High rates of infant and maternal mortality, illiteracy,

Vision accomplished

For every award purchased Noble Awards makes a tax deductible donation directly to Noble Endeavours. In simple terms one award = one child = one week and provides clean water, daily hot meal and free education. Noble Awards donates $5 to Noble Endeavours for every award purchased.

unsafe water and malnutrition were just some of the issues that Noble saw when he first visited the community five years ago.

“Looking back over the past five years I am surprised at how the project has grown,” he says. “In the past five years we have built a community centre and primary school with health centre and agricultural training farm.”

Planning is now underway to expand into another five communities in the region of the Philippines recently devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

“Noble Awards sees our clients as partners and through their loyalty and commitment to our business we can support Noble Endeavours,” he says. “It has not cost our clients anything extra but it definitely allows me to add more value to the community and help support the CSR aims of the businesses we work with.”

• Noble Awards, stand 1942

Board meetings. More fun in the

Philippines

Visit morefuninthephilippines.com.aufacebook.com/itsmorefuninthephilippines

14021_PDOT_CIM_FP_Board Meetings.indd 1 3/02/2014 4:41 pm

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Q: How do you define courage?

A: Courage is choosing to make ourselves vulnerable to what we fear because we’ve decided something more important is at stake. It is not the absence of fear or self-doubt, but action in its presence.

Q: People are increasingly stretching themselves further. How does that affect our ability to be courageous in our actions?

A: Being courageous requires being very deliberate in your choices, clear about what you want, and being willing to take a risk.

The challenge many people face in an increasingly pressure laden workplace, where they are being asked to do more with less and feel increasingly more stretched is in making the time to reconnect to what matters most.

There is nothing inherently wrong or bad about being busy. The question is “Busy for the sake of what?” That is, is our busy-ness moving us in a direction that inspires us and aligns with our most important values… or not?

The busier our lives become the more important it is to take regular time out to reflect on our choices, and to where fear may be driving us to settle, or sell out, to stay

silent or play safe in ways that may be limiting our success and happiness.

Given that courage involves risk taking, unless we take time to get clear about why we would want to stick our neck out, speak up, make a change or take a chance, then we’re very unlikely to veer off the path of least resistance, minimal risk and short-term security.

Q: Why is it important to become more conscious of the choices you make?

A: Albert Camus once wrote that our lives are the lump sum of all our choices. Too often though we live by default, rather than by design – making choices on a daily basis that are driven by fear of what we might lose (for example, pride, reputation or short term security), rather than what we hope to gain. The result is that many people end up living lives they would never have consciously chosen – stuck in jobs that leave them hungry for purpose, in relationships that leave

Don’t miss AIME KnowledgeAIME’s education program, AIME Knowledge, is once again proving popular with visitors to the show, with sessions including “Leading the High Performance Team”, presented by Graeme Joy, the first and only Australian to ski to the North Pole, and “Innovate or Perish”, presented by TEDx Melbourne speaker Roger La Salle, drawing crowds yesterday.

Set to be one of the highlights of the program

is today’s final session at 2.15pm, “The art of flow: the key to high performance”, presented by Dr Adam Fraser. One of Australia’s leading educators, researchers and thought leaders in the area of human performance, Fraser will examine “flow”, the state of focus, high performance and positive mindset, what prevents us from achieving it and what promotes it. As an added bonus, anyone

who attends the session will double their chances to win 6 nights in Bali at the AIME Farewell Bubbles, to be held at 3.30pm in the International Food Market. Simply place your business card in the mix at Dr Fraser’s seminar and then again at the AIME Farewell Bubbles.

Tickets for all sessions are still available, for $55 per session, from the Registration desk on the Concourse.

them lonely, and then laying blame for their circumstances everywhere but at their own feet.

Q: Is courage something that can be learnt or is it innate?

A: Courage is definitely a skill and like all skills, it can be learnt. While there is no question that some people are naturally more risk averse than others, however timid or shy or change resistant a person has been in the past, they can gradually strengthen their “courage muscles” by taking actions that move them outside their comfort zone.

Q: What’s the best example you saw of someone acting courageously in 2013?

A: The person who comes to mind first is Diana Nyad who finally achieved her long held dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida after numerous failed attempts.

Diana could so easily have thrown in the towel, have decided she was too old (at 64), and that it was no more than a pipe dream. But rather she chose to persist against the odds, against the currents and through her own fears of failing yet again.

Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a double mastectomy. While some might argue she was “playing safe” in doing what she did, I think it was very brave to confront the reality of her genetics and take proactive action to reduce the risk of becoming a victim to them.

I also think the way Julia Gillard responded after being deposed from office was courageous. Regardless of your politics, it would have been easy for her to have riled in anger at what had happened and caste herself as a victim of the very machine she had been a part of. Rather she chose not to let the circumstances define her and proved herself to be incredibly resilient and thoughtful at her most vulnerable moment.

Q: Best advice you’ve ever been given?

A: To trust in myself that I’m capable of more than I think I am. It helped me take the plunge to have a fourth children at the same time I wanted to pursue a new career path and then two years later, to begin writing my first book with four children under seven.

Founder of Global Courage, AIME Knowledge presenter Margie Warrell is passionate about helping people engage in bigger conversations, expand their vision and lead with greater courage.

SESSION: Everyday courage for people who do too much

WHERE: Auditorium

WHEN: 10.30-11.30am, Wednesday, 19 February, 2014

Spotlight on…

Margie Warrell

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Discover a zoowithout fences

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE AUSTRALIA FOR YOUR NEXT BUSINESS EVENT.

PLAN NOW, VISIT AUSTRALIA.cOm/BUSINESSEVENTS

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Nothing beats face to face meetings. Whether it is sitting down for a Pre Scheduled Appointment, bumping into old or new friends and colleagues in the corridors or simply having a good gossip over a glass of wine during the Networking Hour, more can be achieved in these brief moments than a year’s supply of emails and phone calls. That’s what makes AIME so popular and such a great way to do business.

AIME Daily caught up with two of this year’s Hosted Buyers to find out what brought them to the show this year and what they plan to get out of it.

Connections that last

Polly Nampetch – senior event manager at Events with Moore

Q: What does your role entail?

A: I manage events ranging from executive study tours, pharmaceutical or sales and marketing conferences. I am currently working on a program for 500 people in South Africa.

Q: What type of events does Events with Moore work on?

A: Conferences and incentive travel are our bread and butter but in the four years I have been with the company I have worked on everything from the launch of a new pharmaceutical drug and a study tour through the US to a hair and fashion show.

Q: How many times have you been to AIME before?

A: This is only my second time but it has been a long time between visits, as I usually have events on or near the AIME dates so haven’t been able to get here for some time.

Q: What are you hoping to get out of AIME this year?

A: I’d love to get some ideas on emerging destinations and unique venues, especially in Australia. It’s hard to stay completely up to date with all the developments and changes in the industry and AIME allows you to do a quick update on a wide range of products in a few days. The best thing about it is coming away with new contacts, some new ideas and a

better understanding of how the industry as a whole is moving.

Q: What is your favourite part of the show?

A: The networking! Apart from all the new information it’s a great way to catch up with all your mates and contacts… let’s face it, we work in a very social industry.

Q: How do you make the most from your time at AIME?

A: I tried to make sure my appointments are only with the suppliers that are relevant to the work we do. Time is critical so it is important to be sure you maximise the opportunities and catch up with everyone that you need. The corridors are often where more business is done that the booths!

rather than dealing with a sometimes endless email trail!

Q: How has AIME changed?

A: For me that significant change has been around the education program. The seminars and speakers that are now included at AIME are more wide ranging and relevant to our industry than they have been in the past.

been to AIME before?

A: Not sure of exactly which year it was that I started attending the show but I can safely say that I have been attending AIME every year for the past 10 years.

Q: What are you hoping to get out of AIME this year?

A: Reconnecting with the industry suppliers and partners that we work with, as well as discovering what future developments are happening within the MICE market place.

Q: What have you achieved at AIME in previous years?

A: One of the key things for me in attending AIME is the chance to sit down face to face with suppliers to work through the various facets of the programs that I am working on rather than over the phone or email – it is amazing how much can be achieved with these meetings

Q: What sort of events does Directions run?

A: We specialise in a wide range of corporate events – from pharmaceutical conferences, roadshows, international and domestic incentive trips, product launches, gala events, family days, corporate hospitality and more.

Q: What type of events has Directions got coming up?

A: From February onwards we are going to be a well-travelled bunch here at Directions – starting with some great domestic conference and incentive programs going all over Australia, as well as some fabulous international programs including Cuba, Paris, Istanbul, Vietnam, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Hawaii, Kuala Lumpur, Buenos Aires to name just a few!

Q: How many times have you

Michael Walker – supplier relationship manager at Directions Conference & Incentive Management

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Vox pops

I’m the one who does all of the legwork within my organisation to organise events and conferences and this is like a one stop shop.

– Vanessa Fleming-Baille, Executive Assistant at Monash Injury Research Institute

The reason I come to AIME is it is great to see a whole heap of contacts all under one roof. Brilliant networking. You can learn a lot more about property, suppliers, and you get a lot more out of it than you would over email.

– Kate Ryall, Director at Chilli Fox Events

I’ve got friends and colleagues in the industry who’ve said how good it is and you can get in touch with so many contacts all in one place.

– Gerry York, Fisher Moy International

This is my first AIME and it’s wonderful, beautiful stands, nice ideas.

– Kerri Absolon, National Events Specialist at Data#3

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The AIME Daily spoke with Sallie Coventry, Portfolio Director for the IBTM Global Events Portfolio, about what inspires her and what she hopes to bring to her new role.


MORE THAN MEETING EXPECTATIONS

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Q: How did you get your start in the events industry?

A: I didn’t even know the events industry existed until I temped for an events company after university and I fell in love with it and I have been doing it ever since.

Q: What did you major in at university?

A: I studied French and German. My French is not so bad but my German is very rusty as it has been 20 years! It is great to be able to communicate with delegates and customers in their own language. When I can I try to.

Q: Having worked in your previous role for an events company what prompted you to apply for the role at Reed Travel Exhibitions?

A: I took the role at Reed because it was a new challenge. I have been a Hosted Buyer at Reed shows and I thought that experience

would help me drive the portfolio forward and continually raise the bar in what we are providing for our Hosted Buyers and in turn our Exhibitors.

Q: How has the events industry changed?

A: At the end of the day trade shows and conferences exist because we are in the business of face to face meetings, but I do think budgets are tighter and people are looking at ways to optimise the legacy of the event they are organising, which means using technology as a complementary part of the show or meeting offering instead of replacing them.

Q: What inspires you in your role?

A: People in this industry are very passionate about what they do and that fuels me on, as you can’t do things half heartedly. Everyday you meet people who look at things a different

way and make you think differently and that’s the beauty of the industry.

Q: What aspects of your personality help in this industry?

A: I would like to think I am quite empathic and I like to connect with people and understand their point of view. I am very passionate about the industry and about delivering good customer service. However, I am not the most patient person in the world and that is something I have to work on!

Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t in the events industry?

A: My plan was to be a teacher, but then I taught French in my year off and realised it was a vocation. I had no idea what I was going to do so it was a happy accident I fell into this industry!

People person

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Interest in Australasia and the Pacific as a business events destination for US organisations is on the rise, with post show research conducted following the Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM) 2013 revealing a clear demand from Hosted Buyers for a greater Australasian and Pacific presence at the show.

Qualitative analysis conducted pre and post show with AIBTM Hosted Buyers specifically identified New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Fiji and Tahiti as key regions of American buyer interest.

Further post-show evaluation found that nearly one out of four AIBTM buyers specifically selected Australasia and Pacific as a key region of interest for placing outbound business and 60 per cent of buyers identified that they went on to place orders in excess of $670,000 (US$600,000) as a direct result of their participation at the show.

Typical of the feedback received from Hosted Buyers at the show was that of Brooke Soucier from Hidden Champions.

“Our company, Hidden Champions is interested in placing groups in Australasia and Pacific because of the culture, the warmth of the people and the ability to offer guests 'outside of the box' experiences,” she said. “We want to showcase the destination so when guests return home they're excited.”

Launched in 2011, AIBTM 2014 is set to take place at the Orange County

Convention Center, Orlando, Florida from 10-12 June, 2014.

The show is just one of Reed Travel Exhibitions’ stable of successful international business events shows, which are going from strength-to-strength.

Expected to attract major business in 2014 is the Golf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), which will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 24-26 March, 2014.

Last year, GIBTM saw 251 Hosted Buyers attend with 67 per cent placing orders in excess of $730,000 (US$650,000) each. As

a direct result of the growing demand witnessed from both exhibitors and buyers, the show has extended the Hosted Buyer Program this year to accommodate more than 300 buyers who are expected to participate in more than 8500 pre-scheduled appointments.

So far, meetings industry buyers from leading global financial, technology, agency, corporate and association companies have signed up to attend the event.

Closer to home, the China Incentive, Business Travel & Meeting Exhibition (CIBTM), which is held annually in Beijing, has tripled in size since its inaugural show in 2006. In 2013 Australia had one of the largest presences out of the international destinations exhibiting, with Business Events Australia joined by 13 stand partners, with local buyers keen to find out more about holding an event in Australia.

Australia in US buyers’ sights

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Since 2000 the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA) has been running a program pitched at young professionals in conjunction with AIME. Elizabeth Rich (pictured), who has managed the program for the past 15 years, reflects on the success of ICCA’S Forum for Young Professionals (FYP).

Q: How did this program get started?

A: ICCA has always been committed to training young people in the meetings industry, initially via its Young Professionals Forum held at European tradeshow EIBTM.

Q: Who is eligible to attend?

A: Originally ICCA intended the program to be of benefit for its members’ young staff (under the age of 30 or those who have entered the industry only in the past three years), at no


ICCA forum celebrates 15th year at AIME

New director of business partnerships for PCO AssociationThe Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Association has announced the appointment of Maxine Tod (pictured) to the newly created role of director of business partnerships.

Tod will work with Association Partners and Sponsors to facilitate business opportunities with members.

The Association will be launching a number of new initiatives in 2014 including the establishment of an industry advisory group which will see buyers and sellers examine ways the sector can work together to expand the range of offerings available to convenors.

“We are keen to get some quantifiable

measurement structures in place so we can demonstrate the value of doing business with our members,” said PCO spokesperson Peter Sugg.

“We need to be more proactive as a sector in promoting our value proposition to booth suppliers and clients; in doing this we should see that Association Partners have a bigger share of members business.”

Incentive Association to commission incentive surveyThe Incentive Association (IA) is now in its second year of existence and with membership numbers having broken the 200 mark it’s fair to say that the association is well and truly established.

The IA’s management is well advanced in commissioning Monash University to undertake a survey into the incentive industry in both Australia and New Zealand, the first fully comprehensive study ever to be undertaken. Previous studies, undertaken by the Incentive Research Foundation and SITE, have been limited in their scope and have used definitions not in accord with those used in either country. It is intended to incorporate every aspect of the incentive industries in both countries including what rewards are used, why companies do or do not use incentives, their experiences, inbound and outboundprograms and much more.

The second IA Breakfast, hosted by Crown, was held on Monday, and it is hoped this event will become a regular feature of AIME in the future.

Associations news

cost. Over more recent years, the program has been opened up to non-ICCA members for a nominal registration fee.

Q: What’s your usual mix of participants?

A: The participants tend to reflect the ICCA membership – a mix of convention bureaux, centres, PCOs, other venues and suppliers – plus we often attract an in-house meeting planner or two who are keen to better understand the global meetings industry.

Q: What’s the secret to the program’s enduring success?

A: I don’t know of any other program which offers such a unique opportunity on a number of levels to young people keen to get ahead in the meetings industry. The exposure to some of the best minds in the industry, many from outside Australia who are here for AIME, has to be a major factor. You would normally have to attend an international industry conference for this sort of exposure, and here you have it in a small group environment, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and raise issues. We try to keep up with current industry issues and directions every year, so you are hearing about trends which are being debated also at senior industry level.

And then there’s the networking aspect. Connecting with others from outside your normal work role deepens participants’ appreciation for the teamwork essential to this industry. These young people establish or expand their own industry networks; forming collegial friendships with their peers which can last for years.

Q: What’s kept you engaged with this role as forum manager?

A: I’ve enjoyed the challenge of designing the program each year, considering what would be of interest, what’s happening out there, and who the best people are to join our “FYP faculty” to share their expertise.

I’m also aware of the importance of engaging with upcoming young industry people. There is no doubt I’ve seen some of our future leaders pass through the program over the years.

Q: What’s been essential to the program?

A: Obviously we need the participants and the presenters to make it happen. But we couldn’t offer such excellent value without the commitment of ICCA, AIME and Melbourne Convention Bureau, along with the generous sponsorship by the venue, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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Exhibitors news

Big year ahead for BCEC

Beatlemania returns to MelbourneFifity years after The Beatles touched down in Australia for their first and only concert tour to our shores, visitors to the Arts Centre Melbourne can relive the excitement when a new exhibition celebrating the anniversary, The Beatles in Australia, opens next month.

Developed by the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and Arts Centre Melbourne, the exhibition explores the story of the Fab Four’s 13 days “down under” and the tour’s lasting impact on Australian music and popular culture.

“While The Beatles’ career has been documented in great detail, the story of their tour to Australia is less well known,” says Powerhouse Museum curator Peter Cox. “The eruption of Beatlemania here was more intense than anywhere in the world.”

The exhibition will present the sights and sounds of Beatlemania – the arrivals, the press conferences, the concerts and the screaming fans – through newsreel footage, television reports, radio coverage, fan letters, magazines and press clippings. Rarely seen objects

from museums, fans and collectors will also be displayed including a suit worn by John Lennon, on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Visitors will have the opportunity to play a Beatles jukebox, test their knowledge in an interactive quiz, hear interviews with tour participants, explore fans’ scrapbooks and record their own impressions of Beatlemania.

The Beatles in Australia exhibition will run from 8 March - 1 July, 2014 at Arts Centre Melbourne.

• Arts Centre Melbourne, stand 3000

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is anticipating a busy year in 2014, in the lead up to the G20 World Leaders Summit in November.

Attended by some of the world’s most powerful leaders, the G20 Summit provides an exceptional opportunity to showcase globally the Centre’s expertise in hosting major international events and Brisbane’s standing as a leading international business destination. Nine months out from the event, preparations are well advanced including the hosting of more than 40 site inspections, many from participating countries.

Along with the G20 the Centre has more than 600 events already on its calendar for 2014, including 120 conferences.

These conferences will include the 29th International Horticulture Congress 2014 for

2000 delegates with some 17 additional symposia; the XXXII World Congress of Audiology 2014 for 2000 delegates; the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver for 1500 delegates; the 5th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) 2014 for 1000 delegates; and Oz Water 2014 for 1500 delegates.

Also on the Centre’s calendar of events are nine new exhibitions across a broad spectrum of interest areas. These include Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association (AWISA) 2014; Supanova 2014; The Courier Mail Home Show 2014; Mind Body and Spirit Festival; and ConveneQ, a new business events showcase for Queensland.

• Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, stand 1514

The announcement that the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in Tokyo has attracted a number of major international conferences with 4000 or more attendees to Japan including the 22nd International Congress of Nutrition (April 2017); the World Congress of Neurology (September 2017); and the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition (September 2018), according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

A popular destination with Australians, visitors to Japan are attracted to its fascinating mix of history and rich culture, great natural beauty, futuristic cities and

the warmth and hospitality of the Japanese people. These strengths, along with highly-developed infrastructure, world-class venues and excellent facilities and make Japan the ideal location for international conferences, events and incentive tours.

Partnering with seven co-exhibitors including the Osaka International Convention Center, Prince Hotels, JTB and DMC JAPAN Network, the JNTO is hosting a Happy Hour this afternoon from 12.30-2pm, serving fresh sushi and drinks, for visitors to their stand.

• Japan National Tourism Organization, stand 3106

Japan capitalises on 2020 Olympics

16 AIMEDaily 2014


Ibis Adelaide to offer more choice

New research from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has revealed that the expectations of 21st century travellers are evolving, and that with the rapid rise of technology-enabled personalisation travellers now want hotel brands that are 3D – global, local and personal.

The report, Creating “Moments of Trust”: The key to building successful brand relationships in the kinship economy, shows that travellers are reshaping their expectations of global hotel brands and are now looking for hotels to not only deliver consistently good service and to reflect local trends and customs,

but to also tailor their stays to meet their personal preferences.

According to the research, nearly three in five (59 per cent) travellers say their hotel stay is significantly more comfortable if services are personalised and more than half (54 per cent) admit it makes them feel more valued.

Factors such as age and geography mean travellers view personalisation differently. Millennials (people age 18-34) are particularly interested in access to personal content, such as movies or music while travellers over 65 are most interested in healthy food and beverage choices. “New Global Explorers”

(travellers originating from emerging economies) have higher expectations for personalisation. For example, 64 per cent of Chinese and 62 per cent of Brazilian travellers expect a hotel to tailor the experience they have to their personal needs, compared to 43 per cent of US and 42 per cent of UK travellers. These “New Global Explorers” also prize personalisation more highly than developed market counterparts, seeing it as a sign of respect.

According to the research, preferences for what is personalised also vary: Americans are most likely to value choosing their exact check in and check out time; while

travellers from China most want interactive apps to find special things in the local area.

“People now expect products and services in all aspects of their lives to be completely personalised and the travel industry is no exception,” says Karin Sheppard, Chief Commercial Officer AMEA at IHG. “This research shows that travellers are increasingly demanding more from their hotel experience – they want authentic and exciting experiences as well as the comforts of home, wherever in the world they are. With this new paradox of desires for both innovation and consistency, IHG continues its focus on delivering a higher degree of localisation and personalisation across our portfolio of trusted global brands.”

• InterContinental Hotels Group, stand 1900

Let’s get personal

Ibis Adelaide, which is due to open in mid-2014, is set to be the ultimate Adelaide hotel for both business and leisure travel.

A purpose-built 17-storey hotel located in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, shopping and dining precincts, the hotel will feature 311 rooms, excellent bar, restaurant and conference facilities, as well as wi-fi access throughout the hotel.

Two meeting rooms, which can be combined into one room will have capacity for up 110 people.

• Accor Hotels, stand 1304

AIMEDaily 2014 17

New and old partnerships for Peter Rowland Catering

www.cimmagazine.com

POWERHOUSE OF IDEASHosting the world from the Northern Territory for five years now, Darwin Convention Centre has

put the tropical harbour city on the map as a fresh and unique “must go” for business events.

Darwin is the inspiration for innovative breakthroughs in mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, health, education and tropical knowledge.

Combine a world-class convention centre with Darwin’s unique expertise in specialist fields and the result is a perfect setting for exchanging ideas and breaking new ground in many

areas that will decide our global future.

Let’s connect www.darwinconvention.com.au

+618 8923 9000 | [email protected]

Four Points by Sheraton to open in QueenslandStarwood Hotels & Resorts will open its new Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane on 3 March, 2014, in the city’s central business district (CBD).

The hotel is the first internationally branded, new-build property to enter the Brisbane CBD market in over a decade and marks the brand’s fourth property in Australia.

Located in a 32-storey, contemporary city tower designed by Brisbane-based Noel Robinson Architects, Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane will offer 246 comfortable and stylish guest rooms, catering to business and leisure travellers alike.

Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane will feature 312sqm of dedicated function space with natural light for corporate and social events. The rooms can be divided into smaller areas and are equipped with in-built technology. There is also an exclusive covered rooftop venue on level 30 called Altitude with spectacular views across the city and river. Meeting rooms can be configured to accommodate up to

150 delegates.

Reservations are now open and to celebrate Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane is offering a special MICE opening offer. For meetings booked between 3 March and 30 September, 2014, Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane offers a special full-day meeting package starting from $65 per person. The package includes the use of meeting room, standard AV equipment, morning and afternoon tea, and a working lunch. Minimum of 10 delegates is required.

For residential groups, the hotel offers a special room rate for group bookings with a minimum of 10 rooms per night, starting from $235 inclusive of one breakfast.

Bookings made by 30 September, 2014, for stays before 30 December, 2014, will include triple Starpoints with no limits, double your complimentary rooms allocation, double your complimentary upgrades as well as 10 per cent off the day delegate package.

• Starwood Hotels & Resorts, stand 2820

It’s been a busy few months for Peter Rowland Catering, who have announced a new partnership with Black Events Space in South Melbourne, and confirmed that they will remain the exclusive caterer at the National Gallery of Victoria International and National Gallery of Victoria Australia (pictured), after 15 years.

Peter Rowland has teamed up with Black Events to ensure that the fantastic space located in South Melbourne is used to its full advantage. The large open gallery space features polished concrete floors and magnificent art hung from the walls and has capacity for 195 people for a cocktail-type event or 100 for a

sit down dinner.

Peter Rowland Catering have also recently teamed up with high profile chef and restaurateur, Shane Delia, to create a new arm of the company – ROWLAND by Shane Delia.

Delia is known for his expertise in creating fresh and modern Middle Eastern cuisine out of his Melbourne restaurant, Maha.

The catering company will be offering ROWLAND by Shane Delia menus, and packages for corporate, private and major events.

• Melbourne Convention Bureau, stand 3008

18 AIMEDaily 2014


Event planners now have all the information they’ll need for their next Auckland event at their fingertips, thanks to the new online version of Auckland Convention Bureau’s 2014 Conference, Incentive & Event Planner.

The online planner offers full search capabilities and is both interactive and responsive, meaning it can also be used on smartphones and tablets.

“The 2014 Conference, Incentive & Event Planner provides a comprehensive guide to venues, transport, activities, services and dining, along with a look at the different regions within Auckland,” says bureau manager

Anna Hayward.

“We expect the new online planner to be a big hit with event planners. They’ll be able to search by all sorts of categories from location to room capacity and then save and shortlist their options in their own ‘my planner’ section. Plus they can do all this while they’re on the move.”

The online version of the planner is available at aucklandnz.com/planner, or you can request a hard copy by emailing [email protected].

• Auckland Convention Bureau, stand 2828

Let us take you on a wonderful journey of discovery with

our stunning range of events. From dinner with the dolphins

at Sea World to a glamorous Hollywood cocktail party at

Warner Bros. Movie World.

To discuss your next conference or event call 07 5591 0020

or email [email protected]

Visit us at AIME Gold Coast stand 1922.

SeaWorldResort.com.au/conferences-and-events

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DISCOVER A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

NT showcases unique Territory experiencesThe Northern Territory Convention Bureau (NTCB) will be joined by 16 of its industry partners at this year’s AIME, with exhibitors including the two NT convention centres in Darwin and Alice Springs, hotels and resorts, off-site venues, dining and attractions, specialist service providers, event planners, an exclusive NT retailer, tour and activity operators as well as transport suppliers.

First-time exhibitors include élan Soho Suites, which is set to open in mid-2014, and Australia’s

Outback Journeys, a recently formed collective of specially selected wilderness lodge-style accommodation and small group tour providers. The supplier group offers access to exciting experiences, captivating locations and the authentic characters of the Northern Territory. Each of the products has a reputation for delivering “six-star experiences” for one-of-a-kind small meetings and extraordinary incentive experiences. Activities include mustering on a cattle station, discovering ancient

Aboriginal rock art and burial sites, catching a fighting barramundi on the floodplains and marvelling at the iconic land formations that represent the Dreamtime.

A special feature of the NT stand at AIME will be participation by one of the NT’s most celebrated wildlife characters, along with some of his more exotic NT pals. Rex Neindorf, the owner of the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, regularly conducts mobile reptile shows at conferences and events around Alice Springs. His

amazing reptile knowledge and the closely supervised interactive presentations with some of his “star performers” are always a hit. Visitors to AIME 2014 will get a chance to see Neindorf and friends in action on the NT stand.

A number of recently appointed NT Ambassadors, who are amongst Australia’s most esteemed business and industry leaders, will also be at the show.

• Northern Territory Convention Bureau, Stand 1532

Auckland releases 2014 planner’s guide

AIMEDaily 2014 19

Novotel Twin Waters Resort is the first hotel in Australia to introduce a tailored, multi event app, Events@NTWR.

Provided by audiovisual service provider AVPartners, the app enhances the conference experience by serving as an interactive conference guide and social network.

Conference delegates can access up-to-date event documentation such as programs and flyers, videos as well as speaker, attendee and exhibitor

information through the app. The app also includes venue maps to help delegates easily navigate Novotel Twin Waters Resort’s 10 purpose built conference rooms, unique function venues and outdoor event spaces.

And, for when the working day is done, Events@NTWR also offers neighbourhood maps and information on Sunshine Coast attractions.

Leveraging the latest social media and gamification tools, conference delegates can post updates, tag their location, like posts, comment on each other’s posts, send private messages, and respond to surveys and live polls all from within the app. The app also integrates with Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

“The modern conference delegate is technologically savvy and well connected,” says AVPartners Novotel Twin Waters Resort Partner Andrew Delangen. “They want access to the latest technology at their fingertips. Introducing an event app was a logical next step.”

• Business Events Sunshine Coast, stand 2222

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Low on battery?Charge your device in Sabre Pacific’s Innovation Zone in the Technology Village

sabrepacific.com.au

Official AIME Daily Publisher Alexandra YeomansManaging Editor Ylla Wright Journalist Sheridan RandallSales & Marketing Manager Jo RobinsonAccount Managers Stephanie Rowen Michelle CullenDesign/Production Manager Bin ZhouDigital/Production Assistant Xin JinEditorial Assistant Anna-Louise McDougall

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Copyright © 2014 – Contents of this magazine are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced in any way, shape or form without the written permission of the publisher. Refer to our website for our full Privacy Policy.

Don’t miss these special promotions, competitions and offers from AIME’s exhibitors*.

Bellagio Las Vegas – Stand 3032

Receive up to $5000 Credit to Master Account for any bookings that actualise in 2014. Conditions apply.

Toga Hotels – Stand 2100

Toga Hotels will be relaunching its conference booker program, “Events With Benefits”, in 2014. Offering exclusive early bird specials available to AIME attendees. You can also go in the draw to win two nights’ accommodation and breakfast for two at any Toga Hotel in Australia or New Zealand.

RACV Noosa Resort – Stand 2222

Hold your next conference at RACV Noosa Resort and you could win some fabulous prizes including a case of Moet, signature spa treatment for two or a weekend at the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival. Conditions apply.

Perth Convention Bureau – Stand 2206

Enter the Perth & Surrounds in 4 days competition, offering various WA holidays showcasing the best of the state and covers Perth, Broome, Swan Valley and an array of food and beverage experiences along the way.

*Conditions apply information available at the stand.

Activities on the show floor Novotel Twin Waters Resort

launches new event app

Documents

AIME Day 2 2014